The Relevance of Vocational Competencies in Vocational Schools (Smk) Specialising in Industrial Mechanica Engineering to the Needs of the Industry

Vocational education plays an important role in preparing graduates who possess competencies relevant to the needs of industry. This study aims to identify the competencies prioritized by industry and analyze the relevance of competencies taught in the Industrial Mechanical Engineering Specialization Program at vocational high schools to industrial needs. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed involving industrial practitioners as respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The research instrument was developed based on the learning outcomes of the Merdeka Curriculum in the Industrial Mechanical Engineering Specialization Program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, and frequency distributions. The findings reveal that competencies in industrial mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and industrial machine maintenance are highly demanded by industry. Competencies related to machine maintenance, industrial troubleshooting, hydraulic and pneumatic operation, electrical installation, and industrial electronics received the highest ratings. Furthermore, the results indicate that the competencies taught in the Industrial Mechanical Engineering Specialization Program have a high level of relevance to industrial needs. Therefore, the curriculum has generally accommodated the competency requirements of the engineering and manufacturing sectors

industry, Industrial Mechanical Engineering, Merdeka Curriculum, relevance of competencies, vocational high school

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